United Church of God, an International Association
Council of Elders Meeting Report
June 1, 2010—Teleconference

Chairman Roy Holladay called the meeting to order just after 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Savings Time by calling on Scott Ashley for prayer. All Council members were present except David Baker. Also present were Mike Blackwell, Mario Seiglie, Jason Lovelady (treasurer) and Larry Darden (United Church of God legal counsel).

Phase One of the Remodel of the Home Office

Chairman Holladay asked Jason Lovelady to update the Council with regard to the home office remodel. Mr. Lovelady said that the construction drawings are complete except for one final review, and the next steps are to get permits and then get bids.

The treasurer reported that income dipped in May, but there is still uncertainty with regard to what the income will be for the month of June. He said that there is also transition in the home office—a new president coming in who will have a new administration team. He suggested that it would be good to have the new president and his administration get the feel for what is going on before starting the remodel.

Mr. Lovelady also commented that Peter Eddington will be out of the office for most of the month of July and therefore recommended postponing the decision about the remodel until after the Feast of Tabernacles with the possibility of doing the construction at the Ambassador Bible Center (ABC) break (in January 2011) or possibly waiting until next May once ABC has concluded.

Mike Blackwell said that he agrees with the recommendation in order to keep too many "irons from being in the fire." Aaron Dean asked how long the construction will take. The treasurer responded that the permits will probably take four to six weeks and the construction will take about four to six weeks. Roy Holladay asked about the cost. Jason Lovelady replied that this has not been put out to bid as yet. With the modifications, there should be some savings, but he cannot say how much at this time.

Mr. Lovelady recommended not replacing all the carpet throughout the building at this time, but only in the areas requiring it because of the remodel. He also suggested only putting cubicles in the space where the current television studio is and not taking out the current offices (for cubicle space) next to the television studios at this time.

Roy Holladay asked, if the rest of the remodel does not begin, will the remodel of the kitchen be done anyway—adding a commercial stove and dishwasher—since the incoming ABC students have been advised to bring an extra $500 for lunches? Mr. Lovelady responded that this is a smaller project and it could be done anyway. Darris McNeely asked if the remodel of the conference area could go forward along with the kitchen. Jason Lovelady said that it could be done at the same time the kitchen is remodeled. With that said, he recommended that this be postponed as well until the new president and administration team is selected and confirmed. Once the commercial kitchen is set up, licensed and ready to use, certain standards will need to be met and maintained per government regulations. This will impact the employees' ability to use the kitchen. He stated that it is important the new president and administration know what the issues are with regard to this plan of the remodel.

Chairman Holladay suggested that the home office employees be informed first of some of the changes to make sure they understand and agree with the changes. He stated that he believes the Council needs to get more input before making the final decision with regard to the conference room and kitchen. Robin Webber requested that the decision be made by teleconference just after the Feast of Tabernacles instead of waiting until the December meetings of the Council.

Chairman Holladay polled the members of the Council and all 11 who were present agreed to postpone the decision with regard to the remodel until after the new president and administration are in place.

The rest of the meeting was held in executive session.

-end-

Gerald Seelig
Council Reporter

© 2010 United Church of God, an International Association